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What Is SPOTLESS STAINLESS™ RUST REMOVER AND PROTECTOR

Spotless Stainless™ was created as a result of working with various rust removal techniques and not finding a quick and easy way to remove rust and extend the time between having rust return.

After 10 years of searching to no avail, our founders decided to bring to market a product that removes rust, along with the "surface iron" that causes rust, in a safe, easy to apply gel that can be reguarly used in the marine, architectural, and industrial environment.

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How Can I Keep Corrosion at Bay?

"My Favorite is Spotless Stainless (www.spotlessstainless.com). This cleaner is a light gel with a mild citric acid base. Brush the cleaner on, let it sit for 30 minutes and hose it off. The rust wil disappear." Bob Pingel - The Boat Doctor - Sailing Magazine

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Spotless Stainless Featured on The Boat Galley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover?

Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover and Protector is used to remove rust and surface iron from 300 series and other grades of Stainless Steel found in the Marine Industry. By removing the surface iron Spotless Stainless leaves a rich chromium layer which will react with oxygen to form Chromium Oxide. This oxide layer is what protects Stainless Steel. We do not recommend Spotless Stainless™ for Stainless Steel tools, knives, or stainless that is NOT 300 series. Spotless Stainless will remove rust and surface iron on fiberglass, gelcoat and plastic.

What are the factors that control the effectiveness of Spotless Stainless™?

Primarily Time and Temperature, Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover should be used at temperatures at or above (70F - 21C ). The lower the temperature the more time may be required to get maximum results. The warmer the temperature the better the results in less time. Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover must remain moist to stay active. If using in direct sunlight or other hot environments, it may be necessary to lightly re-brush with Spotless Stainless™ to keep the application from drying.

Is Spotless Stainless™ a polish?

No, polishes use a mechanical action (ie rubbing, scrubbing) are abrasive and may scratch (remove) the protective chromium oxide layer that protects Stainless Steel. Spotless Stainless™ uses a safe chemical process to remove rust and surface iron from Stainless Steel, Fiberglass and Plastic. No Rubbing, No Scrubbing, No Polishing. Spotless Stainless™ is Safe, Fast and Easy.

How long does Spotless Stainless™ Cleaner and Protector Last?

Time depends on the quality and the finish of the Stainless Steel, and the environment. We have experienced 10 - 14 months before seeing rust appear on boats operating in salt water. We have reports of similar experiences from others who use Spotless Stainless™. We also have reports of less time before seeing rust appear. Series 304 Stainless has no resistance to salts and may pit when exposed to sea water. If your stainless does not have enough Chromium to provide a protective oxide layer rust may appear quicker. In this case you may need to coat your Stainless after removing the rust and surface iron with Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover.

Will Spotless Stainless™ Products affect the finish of the stainless steel?

No, Spotless Stainless™ will not affect the finish of 300 series Stainless Steel other than removing rust and surface iron. We do not recommend Spotless Stainless™ for Stainless Steel tools or knives. Spotless Stainless™ may change the surface color on NON 300 series Stainless Steel. You should test a small area if you are concerned about a surface.

Will Spotless Stainless™ remove rust form old hardware/lower grades of Stainless Steel?

Yes, Spotless Stainless™ will remove rust and surface iron on 300 series Stainless Steel. It is not unusual to find 304 Stainless Steel on boats. Today 304 is not considered marine grade Stainless Steel because it will readily corrode and become pitted when exposed to chlorides (salt). We have found that on some old hardware that has not been cleaned for many years light rust spots may remain. These spots may be contaminates in the stainless and may be impossible to remove. Low quality stainless or grades such as 303 (18/9) may not have enough chromium to protect the stainless in a salt water environment and you may see rust return quicker.

Will Spotless Stainless™ remove flaking or crusted piles of rust?

Yes, but it may take a long time and may not remove all the crusted rust. If heavy rust needs to be removed, Scotch Brite (TM) or other non iron containing abrasive may be helpful to remove the heavy deposits of rust before removing surface rust and "surface iron" with Spotless Stainless™. For more aggressive rust removal, increase time and where possible increase temperature.

Why type of container should I use when applying with a brush or as a bath?

Containers constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or stainless steel should be used to hold or store Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover. Do not use/store Spotless Stainless™ in glass containers. We use a small plastic paint container and a small brush that fits into the places we need to reach. For a bath we use the same container to place loose hardware or hardware attached to lines like pelican clips. We use larger containers for baths appropriate for the items being cleaned of rust and surface iron. Spotless Stainless™ should be stored at tempatures below 120f/50c.

Is Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover safe for rubber, plastic, fiberglass, wood...?

Yes, almost all plastics and rubbers are compatible with Spotless Stainless™. PVC pipe is not recommended for long term use with Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover. In general Spotless Stainless™ will not harm surfaces however, it is important to test a sample area before application.

Are there any materials Spotless Stainless™ is not compatible with?

Yes, Spotless Stainless™ Rust Remover should not be applied to concrete, carbon steel, zinc, galvanized steel and NON 300 series Stainless Steel. Pigments in some paints may not be stable and it is possible that Spotless Stainless can affect the color if left exposed. We test on Marine paints and have experienced NO harm or have any reports of harm to marine paints. Avoid exposure to these materials and rinse if exposed to Spotless Stainless™. In general Spotless Stainless™ will not harm surfaces however, it is important to test a sample area before application.

Do we need a ventilation system to use Spotless Stainless™ products in a closed area?

No. Spotless Stainless™ releases no fumes. When heated, only water vapor is emitted.

How safe is Spotless Stainless™ ?

As with all Chemicals, keep from being accesable to children and pets. Although very safe in normal use, Spotless Stainless™ Cleaner may cause irritation to exposed surfaces of the body. Avoid contact with eyes or skin, do not inhale or ingest. First Aid: Eye Contact: Immediately Flush with plenty of water, Skin Contact: wash with water, remove any contaminated clothing. If ingested: Do not induce vomiting. Drink several glasses of water to dilute stomach contents.

About Us

Spotless Stainless was created out of a search for an easy solution to wanting his boat to look the best it could, and without having to spend a full weekend in the process. After many years of trial and error, along with the eventual realization that nothing on the market was going to meet his expectations, he went about creating what we now know as Spotless Stainless.

It is the formulation he felt was the right balance of being fast-acting, effective, easy to use, versatile enough for most applications, and safe to use, and safe for the environment. 

From starting this journey as a customer and avid fan, and then later becoming a distributor; we are now elated to become the torchbearers in serving our customers under the Spotless Stainless Brand.

We are proud to carry on the Spotless Stainless mission of providing only the absolute best-performing products available, and standing by them with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

We hope you'll join us our journey to develop the most effective rust removal and boating products available. We would be honored if you would consider one our products when deciding with whom to trust your next purchase!